Okay, a baby sweater. But. It’s finished. And I knit it. So it totally counts.

Also, it is adorable. If I do say so myself. This just might be one of my favorite finished baby cardigans: the stripes stripe just perfectly, the colors are bright and perfect for a fall birthday, the truck buttons are awesome for a little boy (or, I imagine, a little girl with an interest in trucks), without being all in-your-face gender normative.

The pattern was fantastic: Budgie by Grumperina. Obviously, I went with buttons instead of a zipper … because, well, I had to be honest with myself. Although I really liked the idea of a zippered cardigan, if I waited until I bought and sewed in said zipper, this kid would be about 21 before he got his birthday present.

So buttons it was.

I did a bit of fiddling around with the button bands and finally decided to reknit using the recommended (and so tidy!) i-cord bind off. At first, I wasn’t sure about the contrasting bands, but seeing it finished — I love them! It’s a baby sweater, so what’s the harm in a little mismatch fun?

To avoid all the unsightly bunching I’d been fighting on the fronts, I went up a couple of needles sizes (to a US9/5.5mm) — basically, the only needle even close to the US7/4.5mm I’d used for the body that I could find unoccupied — and made sure to pick up every other stitch. Then, for extra stretchiness, I knit one row before binding off on the button (green) side. On the button hole (orange) side, I picked up the same number of stitches and knit two rows in stockinette before binding off. I added 1-stitch i-cord button holes every so often.

Just enough give and everything lies nicely flat. Phew. This is going all the way to Switzerland and it needs to get in the mail soon …

The shop ladies at my LYS — where I found the aforementioned awesome buttons — fawned all over this sweater’s cuteness. I felt very proud, showing of my knitterly handiwork to some proper Southern knitters, discussing buttons options in all seriousness on a busy Saturday afternoon. One of them recommended these, and they’re perfect.

So neat and tidy! The i-cord really was worth the extra bit of time and effort. Now, I just hope it fits.

Well, I certainly didn’t mean to disappear there for a while. Let’s catch up, shall we?

I went to Milwaukee for a conference. And had a good time — saw some good panels, got some good feedback, caught up with a few friends, rode the polka escalator (at the Milwaukee Convention Center, definitely worth the visit), saw the Bronze Fonz. You know, the usual.

And the memorial to letter carriers. That was a kind of happy accident, as it’s tucked back on a quiet street. Or, at least, a street quiet late on a Sunday afternoon.

Then, what I’d been waiting for! My sister was in Milwaukee in the spring — also for a conference — and she told me about Mader’s. It was fantastic, and so so much fun after a German studies conference. And the perfect way to end my first trip to Milwaukee.

And, surprisingly enough, there’s even been a little time for knitting. Though not nearly as much as I might hope.

Still, I managed to finish up the i-cord bind off on the body of my Walnuss — now to battle my way through the sleeves. I really do think this has interview-cardigan potential …

I also finished up Budgie a week or two ago — it’s a very quick knit. The seaming, however, is giving me fits: I don’t know what it is, but I simple cannot get the sleeves to seam evenly. At the time, I thought “maybe i’ll just knit these in the round” … then, decided I’d follow the pattern. So, really, I brought this upon myself. Still, I’ve got some time to figure it out.

I used some ancient stash Kureyon for the contrasting stripes, and I really love how the colors worked out on the body and sleeves. It took a little fancy footwork to make sure everything matched up, but definitely worth it in the end.

However … not so with the i-cord edging. Looking back, it probably had something to do with picking up too few stitches, resulting in unsightly bunching. At the time, I decided to just go with garter stitch to finish. We’ll see, I might go back to the i-cord. If I ever get the arms seamed, that is.

No, really. I’ve been knitting. Hard to believe, right? Somedays, I have trouble believing it myself.

The semester has started in its usual whirlwind. Why this still surprises me, as I begin my ninth year of graduate school … that is a mystery for the ages. I have a great belief in “this time it will be better,” meaning “this time, I’ll feel like I have it together.” It never happens that way, but I always try again. Persistence is key, I find.

Knitting doesn’t hurt, either. My knitting basket is filled with half-finishedprojects that I’ve fallen out of love with. So it goes. Last night, desperate for a little instant gratification, I cast on for Budgie, an adorable stripy baby sweater. I thought I could handle a baby sweater.

And, so far — two sleeves later — I’ve not been wrong. All to the good, since the baby in question will have his first birthday this fall with or without my gift arriving on time. Though, it would be nice if I could make that deadline, at the very least.

It’s deadline time around here again. The job list just came out. It’s a bit like Hollywood movie: breathless anticipation, crushing disappointment, romance, thrills, chills, twists and turns, a roller coaster of emotions.

Needless to say, I don’t think I’m quite ready to face another round of applications. It’s such a weird space, that I’ve decided is not unlike falling in love: if it happens, it happens and there’s just not a whole lot you can actually do about it. I mean, applying is like going on a date, you try to put your best foot forward (cover letter, curriculum vitae, etc.) and hope something clicks. Unfortunately, it’s also every bit as awful as actual dating. The serenity prayer is really my only hope.

Well, that and knitting. As you can see, the Walnuss is coming together quite nicely. I separated the sleeves and joined the body, and even tried it on. It fits! Which is very good news, indeed, since it was looking pretty small on the needles. But cardigans always do, I find.

I’m thinking this has “interview cardigan” potential.

Finally, the best part about having a friend in Switzerland? Chocolate! That comes in the mail! That’s right: Schoggi-Mail let’s you send Swiss chocolate like a postcard. Genius. Delicious genius.

On Saturday afternoon, despite rather grumpy about the heat, my knitting and I strolled over to Centennial Park (home of my favorite monument) to meet some friends for a little music and ice cream. Well, the ice cream wasn’t planned, but it was delicious. There were shady trees, good music, and the chance to just relax for an hour or two.

So far, I’m loving this cardigan. The construction is clever — new to me! — but easy enough to follow. It’s like an adventure, having never knit a saddle shoulder from the top-down all in one piece before (or, really, ever). At first, I simply went on blind trust, as I had no idea what my knitting was doing.

What is most surprising, though: just how fast Walnuss is coming along. I’ve already separated the arms and am working, working … but, seriously, it doesn’t seem to be taking all that much longer than a worsted wool. And, of course, the Malabrigo Sock is lovely stuff to work with.

And now, I should get the day started. I’ve somehow picked up a couple of new assignments — tutoring, assisting — in addition to the usual researching and writing. It’s exciting, but, well, tiring. Happy Wednesday!

Where is the week month going? The semester starts next week … and, let’s just say, I’m trying to ignore that.

Scenes so far.

You know, I can’t complain about August. A certain Rooster stopped by Nashville last weekend and we had a delightful time together: good food, chatting on patios, walks in the park, ice cream, take-out, and a few adventures (planned and, um, not so planned). It’s so nice when online friends become real-life friends! Maybe next time we’ll even manage some knitting?

As you can see, August has been filled with many things … but not much knitting. I’d like to think that ideas are percolating. Many ideas about light-weight sweaters. Many, many ideas. Here are just a few of my favorites:

I’m sure there are many more; I seem to be collecting them as I go. Any favorites that I’ve missed?

My dream project, however, is the slightly bonkers 4 Flowerpot Sweater from Icelandic Knitting Using Rose Patterns. I’ve gotten as far as shopping for yarn, reading through the directions, becoming very confused, and putting the book back on the shelf. I have not given up, though. Thing is, this is the kind of sweater I want to wear but do not want to knit. A dilemma.

Goodbye contrast edge! I think the straight bind-off let’s the lovely buttery brown silk really speak for itself. The contrast was just too much of a mismatched distraction. This damson knit up super fast with slightly heavier (and entirely heavenly) yarn and slightly larger needles. In fact, it was so quickly finished that I’m not sure I even posted any photos here. Details on ravelry.

So how about a quick recap as I sip my coffee and gird myself for the day?

There has been knitting and stitching …

… and trips to the post office to mail birthday boxes to a certain sister of mine.

I hate going to the post office, but I do love this particular branch with its Wall of Country Stars. All of whom apparently … frequent the Post Office? In any case, there are a number of recognizable faces, but the real star of this photo was Ronnie Milsap (smack in the center). My sister loves some Milsap.

Finally, Alice has been busy with some craft-closet mountaineering (cat-a-neering?). This is a horrible photo, but I had to act quickly. Luckily, we avoided a wool avalanche.

And that brings us to Monday.

I think I’ve finally managed to clear up all the ailments that have plagued my summer — knock on wood — and spent the weekend lying low. Now, it’s back to work. Here’s to hoping Monday is treating you all well!